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Treasure cay, Abaco, Bahamas

Written by Brianne

AS SEEN IN THE SPRING 2004 ISSUE

Blue skies, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters await you in this relaxing island paradise.

Treasure Cay is one of the many islands in the Abacos, an island chain about 165 miles due east of West Palm Beach. Known not only for its beautiful beaches, pristine waters and laid back island lifestyle, Abaco and the surrounding Bahama islands boast some of the world’s best sportfishing and diving locations. This year marks the 31st Annual BBC, Bahamas Billfish Championship, held in April.

The event attracts top tournament fishing boats and teams from around the world. My fiancÈ and I just wanted a relaxing weekend away, maybe some inshore bonefishing or snorkeling would present itself. I hadn’t planned for anything but rum drinking and relaxing for our 3 days on the island. Our trip began with an hour-long flight from Ft. Lauderdale Int’l direct into Treasure Cay. We hopped aboard the Island Express, an 8 passenger aircraft where every seat is a window seat.

After arriving and clearing customs and immigration, taxi driver Alex was waiting to take us to Brigantine Bay Villas located just 10 minutes from the airport. A beautiful, spacious property right on Brigantine Bay, housed 5 villas, 3 of which had their own dock and gazebos. The Villas are two bedroom, two bath, fully furnished with linens, kitchen equipment/utensils, satellite TV and central air. Everything you need! Cook for yourself in the fully equipped kitchen or visit one of the fine local restaurants such as the Spinnaker at the marina and Touch of Class, Island Boil, Hudson’s Delight, or Coconutt’s on the main road. Either way, you’ll enjoy some world famous Bahamian food from the local waters.

Lee Roach, owner of the property, met us with a smile and a “Guide to Abaco” full of things to keep us busy on the island. Sail and power boat rentals, tennis, scuba diving/snorkeling, fishing (bay, open ocean and bonefishing) along with a handful of other activities. Most everything you need is within walking distance, including the full service marina, restaurants, grocery stores, bike and golf cart rentals, and most importantly for us, the Tipsy Seagull Tiki Bar and pool. Lee planned a fishing trip for the two of us for the next day on his 25’ Glacier Bay power cat, a chance to do some trolling sounded like a plan to me. Being that my better half had never been to the Bahamas, I had to show him the beaches first.

We had a five-minute walk across the main road and through the marina to the 31/2mile long protected beach. After we had our fill of conch fritters, grouper fingers and Kalik beer at the Coco Bar on the beach, we walked down to the water and found that perfect spot for the rest of the afternoon. The view was one out of a movie… the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen. It’s no wonder National Geographic named it one of the 10 best beaches in the world. Saturday nights the Tipsy Seagull is where the locals and visitors alike go to have fun, enjoying live music, drinks and the warm salty breeze. We had dinner at the Marina and then stopped by to enjoy the live carribbean music.

We awoke the next morning to clouds and 25 + mph winds that were brought in by the passing cold front. “This is just my luck!”, I thought to myself. I flipped on the weather channel and the day called for much of the same. I met Lee outside (his villa was right next to mine) and he regretfully told me what I had already known; “no fishing today mon.” Well, I was determined. After a hearty breakfast I whipped up in our fully equipped kitchen, we walked out to the dock and fed our friends under the dock. There was a mixture of yellowtail, blue stripe grunts, jacks and a few snapper. They expect these treats, as visitors to Brigantine Bay Villas are encouraged to feed the fish their leftovers. We baited some hooks with whatever we could find and watched through our polarized sunglasses as the fish swarmed around and proceeded to steal our bait every time.

Later that afternoon we met the “new arrivals” next door, Steve and Sandy from Virginia Beach. They come down every year for a 10 day stay at Brigantine Bay Villas. From what they told us, this was like their “home away from home” and I could see why. Everyone is so friendly here, and the locals are always greeting you with a smile. Wendell’s bicycle rental provided our transportation for the rest of the afternoon. We biked the island, checking out all of the beautiful homes and the breathtaking views. This was a place unlike any other I’d seen… I didn’t want to leave!

Our last day there we were finally able to get the boat out. The weather was still a bit rough, but we wanted to get out on the water. Arthur, Lee’s groundskeeper and right hand man, brought some rods and rigged ballyhoo and we were trolling in no time. We headed out to Don’t Rock, a local spot, and landed a few nice-sized jack. Our trip was a short one, as we had to catch our flight home in a few hours.

All in all the long weekend turned out great, and the new friends and memories made will never be forgotten. I plan to head back soon, and get in some tight-line, reel screaming action! If you’d like to visit Brigantine Bay Villas for a long weekend, week, or however long you can get away, contact Lee Roach at (850) 492-2995 or visit the website at www.BrigantineBayVillas.com. The villas are available for rental on a nightly, weekly as well as monthly basis. Complimentary boat slips are included with villa rental. Pets are welcome. Certain breed restrictions may apply. Treasure Cay, Abaco… Near Florida … Near Perfect!